Wayne State University played host
to the International Roots Symposium and panel discussion Saturday April 29, 2006 hosted by fellow journalist Cliff Russell,
host of American Black Journal.
The event was a historical occasion
marking the first trip by Secretary of State for Tourism of the Gambia Dr. Sharon Wafa-Ogoo to the United States. The city
of Detroit, along with Wayne State University, used the forum to recognize Dr. Ogoo and commemorate her historic expedition.
The
panel discussion encouraged a rich dialogue between scholars, people from the community, and college students. Among the topics
of discussion was the disconnect between Black Americans and Black Africa. Panelists spoke about the numerous assumptions
made about Africa, stemming from the media’s distorted reflection of African culture. They discussed how black youth
were mostly affected by this disturbing trend, making them feel less connected to their African counterparts.
The panel
also took time out to recognize the achievements of two young Detroit students, Lashonte Luke-Owens and Alisha Bellemy, both
6th graders from Thurgood Marshall Elementary. The two young ladies took home 1st place awards in mathematics
at the Academic Games in Atlanta,
GA. The young women showcased the potential in the black inner-city community and the necessity for community members to foster
their growth by helping them connect to their African roots. The results of such a collaborative could set a precedent for
remarkable change.
The panel on media and politics was
hosted by Community Media giant Bankole Thompson, author, journalist and on-air personality. This particular panel discussed
the direct relationship between political regimes, the media outlets they control, and how that control has hindered the relationships
between blacks in America and in Africa.
“The media tells us that Africa is this calamity, that it’s the
Dark Continent, it is not,” said Thompson when he spoke about the media’s role in the perception of African Culture.
The panel also focused on the positive
aspects and the potential new media brings
by exposing the truth about African
Culture.
The New Africa Channel was a concept
introduced at the panel. A spokesperson from their collaborative displayed a video presentation of some of the themes and
programming that will be seen on the Africa Channel.
The panel also discussed bridging
the gap economically between Africa and Black America. Panelist enlisted four factors for productivity amongst Africans and
black Americans: capitol, entrepreneurship, labor, and land. Blacks in America have access to capitol, labor, and entrepreneurship,
but they lack the vast amount of rich land that the Africans now claim ownership of. The two forces need to combine their
assets to move forward in a competitive global economic landscape.
To end the ceremony Rep. John Conyers
(D-Mi), Dean of the Congressional Black Caucus spoke on behalf of the city and its communities to Dr. Ogoo’s delegation
commemorating Dr. Ogoo’s landmark journey to Detroit, and presented her with a plaque and kind words reflecting the
new relationship they hope to build.
“As a legislator, I am able to help bridge the gap between the citizens
of Africa and the United State, but also bridge the gap between the countries as well,” said Conyers.
Message From The Grassroots Community
A small local organization wins big honors for
its huge community contribution. As FOX 2's Amy Lange shows us, Wayne State paid tribute to Hush House with an award named
for a civil rights legend.
The Avatars are on stage, pounding away, and the breasts
of the drummer are heaving mightily. Her name is Claudia Leo, and she’s one of the best drummers in town. I’ve
seen her many times, and reviewed her band four or five times. There are two other women in the band, both of which are attractive,
but Leo is the most impressively so.
The wall built between Michigan Avenue and the Ford Rouge Plant has
been the topic of conversation among environmentalists for many years, and the recent discussion surrounding the possible
removal of four miles worth of concrete walls has sparked debate among many Dearborn, MI residents.
Beginning in a District of Columbia district court and winding
up in front of the US Supreme Court, Hamdan v Rumsfeld is a precedent-setting legal case that redefines the legality of the
proceedings at the Guantanamo Bay camps, and spells out the rights the military must give to prisoners being held under suspicion
of terrorism. This case directly led to the Military Commissions Act of 2006, which gave the executive branch the power denied
it by the judiciary.
